The battle between St Johnstone and County for Brittain has finally been settled.

The Highland club were at loggerheads with Saints after registering their skipper with the SFA - despite the player penning a pre-contract agreement in January to move to Perth.

In a statement issued last night St Johnstone said: "Following a meeting between our chairman and his opposite number at Ross County, an agreement has been reached on terms that are acceptable to St Johnstone for the cancellation of the SPL contract between us and Richie Brittain."

“I am delighted both clubs have managed to resolve this issue amicably and we can now move on.”

St Johnstone chairman Steve Brown

Saints chairman Steve Brown was delighted to draw a line under the matter.

He added: "I am delighted both clubs have managed to resolve this issue amicably and we can now move on.

“We felt there was a matter of principle at stake and the main thing is that the pre-contract process remains intact and credible going forward.“That was more important than any fee as far as I was concerned. We believe we have played it by the book all the way down the line.

“It is unfortunate this has dragged on for so long but now Tommy Wright can look elsewhere for a midfielder to replace Liam Craig, who left for Hibs on a pre-contract.

“It was important that our manager could focus fully on big Europa League games coming up next month even before a ball is kicked in the SPL.

“Tommy has been very professional and he has a list of potential targets in mind. Now we are in a position to step things up over the next few days.”